X0201 4 2003-12-23 0 0000712534 FIRST MERCHANTS CORP FRME 0001084708 HUDSON BARRY J 200 E JACKSON ST PO BOX 792 MUNCIE IN 47308-0792 1 0 0 0 Common Stock 2003-12-23 4 G 0 2000 D 475207 D Reporting person gifted 2,000 shares of common stock to the Jay County Boys Club, Inc. Securities Beneficially Owned Indirect: 6,013. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership: Spouse UGMA Daughter Securities Beneficially Owned Indirect: 6,013. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership: Spouse UGMA Son Non Employee Director Stock Option - Right to Buy: 3,473 shares. Employee Stock Option - Right to Buy: 7,177 shares. 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 divi dend. Larry R. Helms (Confirming Statement on File) 2003-12-24