EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the use of our report,
dated February 6, 2003, related to the consolidated  balance sheets of Volunteer
Bancorp,  Inc. and  subsidiary as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, changes in stockholders' equity, cash flows
and  comprehensive  income and Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2002,
for Volunteer Bancorp, Inc.

/s/ Welch & Associates, Ltd.

Welch & Associates, Ltd.
Nashville, Tennessee
March 28, 2003