Exhibit 5
 
_____________________, 1996


The Board of Directors
Community Bank of Excelsior Springs,
  A Savings Bank
1001 N. Jesse James Road
Excelsior Springs, Missouri  64024-1201

               RE:      CBES BANCORP, INC.
                        COMMON STOCK PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
                        -------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

      You have requested the opinion of this firm as to certain matters in
connection with the offer and sale (the "Offering") of the CBES Bancorp, Inc.
("Company") Common Stock par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock").  We have
reviewed the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 ("Form SB-2"), as well as applicable statutes and regulations
governing the Company and the offer and sale of the Common Stock.

     We are of the opinion that upon the declaration of effectiveness of the
Form SB-2, the Common Stock, when sold, will be legally issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

     This opinion has been prepared solely for the use of the Company in
connection with the Form SB-2, and should not be used for any other purpose nor
relied upon by any other person (except for the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with its processing of the Form SB-2 and prospective
investors in the Offering), without the prior written consent of this firm. We
hereby consent to our firm being referenced under the caption "Legal Opinions."

                                 Very truly yours,



                                 LUSE LEHMAN GORMAN POMERENK & SCHICK
                                 A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION