EXHIBIT 99.1

                           CHESTER VALLEY BANCORP INC
                                    DECLARES
                             QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONDAY MARCH 1, 2004

CONTACT: JOSEPH T. CROWLEY
         CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
         (610) 269-9700


Downingtown - Chester Valley Bancorp Inc. announced the declaration of a $.105
quarterly cash dividend. The dividend will be paid on March 23, 2004 to
shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 9, 2004. The cash
dividend is based on record earnings of $1.6 million or $.31 per diluted share
for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company had
assets of $606.3 million and stockholders' equity of $51.8 million.

Chester Valley Bancorp Inc. is the parent company of both First Financial Bank
and Philadelphia Corporation for Investment Services. First Financial Bank's
executive offices are located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania with additional
branch locations in Exton, Frazer, Thorndale, Westtown, Airport Village,
Brandywine Square, Devon, Kennett Square and Eagle. Philadelphia Corporation has
offices in Wayne and Philadelphia.

Chester Valley Bancorp stock is traded on the NASDAQ market under the symbol
"CVAL".