EXHIBIT 23


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statements of
Thistle Group  Holdings,  Co. on Form S-8  (Registration  No.  333-48749) of our
report dated February 5, 1999,  incorporated  by reference in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Thistle  Group  Holdings,  Co. for the year ended  December  31,
1998.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
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DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 30, 1999