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Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
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MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA,
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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000712534-05-000192.txt : 20051121
<SEC-HEADER>0000712534-05-000192.hdr.sgml : 20051121
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20051121110325
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000712534-05-000192
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	3
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20051121
FILED AS OF DATE:		20051121
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20051121

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			RECHIN MICHAEL C
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001344155

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		3
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-17071
		FILM NUMBER:		051216933

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		BUSINESS PHONE:		317-580-1407

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		13831 COLDWATER DRIVE
		CITY:			CARMEL
		STATE:			IN
		ZIP:			46032

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000712534
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS [6021]
		IRS NUMBER:				351544218
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			IN
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		200 E JACKSON ST
		STREET 2:		PO BOX 792
		CITY:			MUNCIE
		STATE:			IN
		ZIP:			47308-0792
		BUSINESS PHONE:		7657471500

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		200 EAST JACKSON STREET
		CITY:			MUNCIE
		STATE:			IN
		ZIP:			47305
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>3
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>f3mcr112105_ex.xml
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0202</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2005-11-21</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>0</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000712534</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>FIRST MERCHANTS CORP</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>FRME</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001344155</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>RECHIN MICHAEL C</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>200 EAST JACKSON STREET</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2></rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>MUNCIE</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>IN</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>47305</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>0</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>1</isOther>
            <officerTitle>Executive Vice President</officerTitle>
            <otherText>Chief Operating Officer</otherText>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>2000</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <remarks>Exhibit 24

Confirming Statement

This Statement confirms that the undersigned,  Michael C. Rechin, has authorized
and  designated  Larry R. Helms and/or Cynthia G. Holaday to execute and file on
the undersigned's behalf all Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments thereto)
that the  undersigned  may be  required  to file  with the U.S.  Securities  and
Exchange   Commission  as  a  result  of  the  undersigned's   ownership  of  or
transactions  in securities  of First  Merchants  Corporation.  The authority of
Larry R. Helms and/or  Cynthia G. Holaday under this  statement  shall  continue
until the undersigned is no longer required to file Forms 3, 4 and 5 with regard
to the  undersigned's  ownership  of or  transactions  in  securities  of  First
Merchants  Corporation,  unless  earlier  revoked in  writing.  The  undersigned
acknowledges  Larry R. Helms and Cynthia G.  Holaday are not assuming any of the
undersigned's  responsibilities  to comply  with  Section  16 of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.

Date: November 11, 2005

/s/ Michael C. Rechin
- ---------------------
    Michael C. Rechin</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Michael C. Rechin</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2005-11-21</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
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