X0202 4 2004-07-01 0 0000712534 FIRST MERCHANTS CORP FRME 0001012743 BRACKEN FRANK A 200 E JACKSON ST PO BOX 792 MUNCIE IN 47308-0792 1 0 0 0 Non-Employee Director Stock Option (Right to Buy) 25.595 2004-07-01 4 A 0 1157 0.00 A 2005-01-01 2014-06-30 Common 1157 11114 D Non-Derivative Securities Benefically Owned Direct: 82,425.38. Includes 7.13, 7.579, 7.98 and 8.312 shares acquired in September and December of 2003 and March and June of 2004, respectively under the FMC dividend reinvestment plan. Beneficially Owned Securities: 4,825. Nature of Indirect Ownership: Spouse On August 12, 2003, the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation declared a stock dividend payable to all holders of record of common stock on August 29, 2003 of one share of common stock for each 20 shares of common stock outstanding to be distributed on September 12, 2003. Fractional shares were distributed in cash. Pursuant to anti-dilution provisions of First Merchants Corporation's various stock option plans options previously reported were also adjusted to reflect the stock dividend. Larry R. Helms (Confirming Statement on File) 2004-07-02