STERLING FINANCIAL CORP /PA/, S-3DPOS, EX-23.1, 2001-01-16

STERLING FINANCIAL CORP /PA/
S-3DPOS, EX-23.1, 2001-01-16
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS

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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF TROUT, EBERSOLE & GROFF


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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1





         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         We have issued our report dated January 20, 2000 accompanying the
consolidated financial statements of Sterling Financial Corporation and
Subsidiaries included in the 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999. We consent to the incorporation by reference of such report
in the Registration Statements of Sterling Financial Corporation on Form S-3
(Registration No. 33-55131), on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-33976) and on
Form S-4A (Registration No. 333-33976).

                                            /s/ Trout, Ebersole & Groff, LLP
Lancaster, Pennsylvania                     TROUT, EBERSOLE & GROFF, LLP
January 15, 2001                            Certified Public Accountants