EXHIBIT 23



Board of Directors
East Texas Financial Services, Inc.
1200 S. Beckham
Tyler, Texas 75701



Members of the Board:

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
on Form S-8 of East Texas Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company") of our report
on the financial  statements  included in the Company's  Current  Report on Form
8-K/A for the report  dated June 30,  2000,  filed  pursuant  to the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


                                           /s/ Henry and Peters, P.C.
                                           --------------------------
                                           Henry and Peters, P.C.



Tyler, Texas
September 12, 2000