CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in  Registration  Statement No.  33-91836 on Form S-8 of our report
dated  January 27,  1997,  included  in this Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Life
Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1996.


        /s/  Edmondson, LedBetter & Ballard, L.L.P.



Norfolk, Virginia
March 27, 1997