CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference and the inclusion of our reports with respect to the consolidated financial statements of the following companies: Report Date ----------- First Merchants Corporation and subsidiaries January 19, 1996, except for Note 2 as to which the date is January 24, 1996 Randolph County Bancorp and subsidiary January 17, 1996, except for the last paragraph of the note on Loans and Allowance as to which the date is March 19, 1996 Union National Bancorp and subsidiary February 2, 1996 included and incorporated by reference herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Registration Statement. /s/ Geo. S. Olive & Co., LLC Indianapolis, Indiana April 5, 1996 Ex. 23(a)-1