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<center>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31,
2001.</center>

<div align=right>File No. 333- __________</div>

<hr NOSHADE WIDTH="80%">
<center>
<p>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
<br>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
<p>--------------------------------
<p>FORM S-8
<p>REGISTRATION STATEMENT
<br>UNDER
<br>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
<p>--------------------------------
<p>FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
<br>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)</center>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NORTH CAROLINA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
56-1355866
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(State or Other Jurisdiction of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(I.R.S. Employer
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Incorporation or Organization)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Identification Number)
<center>
<p>10200 DAVID TAYLOR DRIVE
<br>CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28262-2373
<br>(704) 688-4300
<br>(Address, including zip code, and telephone number of Principal Executive
<br>Offices)
<p>FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
<br>AMENDED AND RESTATED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<br>FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
<br>(Full Title of the Plan)
<p>LAWRENCE M. KIMBROUGH
<br>PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<br>FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
<br>10200 DAVID TAYLOR DRIVE
<br>CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28262-2373
<br>(704) 688-4300
<br>(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including
Area Code, of Agent For Service)
<p>COPY TO:
<br>RICHARD W. VIOLA, ESQ.
<br>SMITH HELMS MULLISS &amp; MOORE, L.L.P.
<br>201 NORTH TRYON STREET
<br>CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202
<br>TELEPHONE: (704) 343-2149
<br>-------------------------
<p>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</center>

<p>
<hr NOSHADE WIDTH="80%">
<br>&nbsp;
<table BORDER CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH="637" >
<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">Title of Securities to be Registered&nbsp;</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">Amount to be Registered&nbsp;</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share (1)</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (1)</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="18%">Amount of Registration Fee (1)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">Common Stock, no par value</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">1,000,000 shares</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">$17.98</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="21%">$17,980,000</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="18%">$4,495.00</td>
</tr>
</table>

<p>(1) The price is estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h)(1) and (c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee, based on the average of the high and
low prices of First Charter Corporation's common stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on July 25, 2001.
<center>
<p>PART I
<p>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</center>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The documents that from time to time contain
the information specified by Part I of this registration statement (the
"Registration Statement") of First Charter Corporation (the "Registrant"
or the "Company") will be sent or given to eligible directors as specified
by Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") and will be kept on file at the offices of the Company in accordance
with Rule 428(a)(2). Such documents, together with the documents incorporated
by reference in Item 3 of Part II hereof, constitute the Section 10(a)
prospectus of the Company. Upon written or oral request, the Company will
provide to eligible directors, without charge, a copy of such documents
and any other documents required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 428(b).
Requests for the above mentioned information should be directed to Anne
C. Forrest, Corporate Secretary, at First Charter Corporation, 10200 David
Taylor Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262-2373; telephone number (704)
688-4300.
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<center>
<p>PART II
<p>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT</center>

<p>ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The following documents are incorporated by
reference into this Registration Statement and are deemed to be a part
hereof from the date of the filing of such documents:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's
Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 16, 2001, April 17, 2001 and
July 10, 2001;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The description
of Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement filed
under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), including all amendments or reports filed for the purpose
of updating such description.
<p>All other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of
a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated herein by reference shall
be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently
filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated herein by
reference modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
<p>ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable.
<p>ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable.
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<br>&lt;Page>
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In accordance with the provisions of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act (the "NCBCA"), the Registrant's Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Registrant's Articles") and
the Registrant's Bylaws provide that, in addition to the indemnification
of directors and officers otherwise provided by the NCBCA, the Registrant
shall, under certain circumstances, indemnify its directors, executive
officers and certain other designated officers against any and all liability
and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in any proceeding (including,
without limitation, a proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Registrant
itself) arising out of their status or activities as directors and officers,
except for liability or litigation expense incurred on account of activities
of such person which at the time taken were known or believed by such person
to be clearly in conflict with the best interests of the Registrant. The
Registrant's Bylaws further provide that the Registrant shall also indemnify
such person for reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys' fees incurred
in connection with the enforcement of the rights to indemnification granted
in the Bylaws, if it is determined in accordance with the procedures set
forth in the Bylaws that such person is entitled to indemnification thereunder.
Pursuant to the Bylaws and as authorized by statute, the Registrant maintains
insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liability asserted
against such persons in such capacity whether or not such directors or
officers have the right to indemnification pursuant to the Bylaws or otherwise.
In addition, the Registrant's Articles prevent the recovery by the Registrant
or any of its shareholders of monetary damages against its directors to
the fullest extent permitted by the NCBCA.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition to the above-described provisions,
Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the NCBCA contain provisions prescribing
the extent to which directors and officers shall or may be indemnified.
Section 55-8-51 of the NCBCA permits a corporation, with certain exceptions,
to indemnify a current or former director against liability if (i) he conducted
himself in good faith, (ii) he reasonably believed (x) in the case of conduct
in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in
the best interests of the corporation and (y) in all other cases his conduct
was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests and (iii)
in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director in
connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which
the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with
a proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him, whether or not
involving action in his official capacity, in which he was adjudged liable
on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him. The
above standard of conduct is determined by the Board of Directors or a
committee thereof or special legal counsel or the shareholders as prescribed
in Section 55-8-55.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sections 55-8-52 and 55-8-56 of the NCBCA require
a corporation to indemnify a director or officer in the defense of any
proceeding to which he was a party because of his capacity as a director
or officer against reasonable expenses when he is wholly successful, on
the merits or otherwise, in his defense, unless the articles of incorporation
provide otherwise. Upon application, the court may order indemnification
of the director
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
4
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<p>or officer if the court determines that he is entitled to mandatory
indemnification under Section 55-8-52, in which case the court shall also
order the corporation to pay the reasonable expenses incurred to obtain
court-ordered indemnification or if he is adjudged fairly and reasonably
so entitled in view of all relevant circumstances under Section 55-8-54.
Section 55-8-56 allows a corporation to indemnify and advance expenses
to an officer, employee or agent who is not a director to the same extent,
consistent with public policy, as a director or as otherwise set forth
in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by resolution
of the Board of Directors or contract.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition, Section 55-8-57 permits a corporation
to provide for indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents,
in its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or resolution,
against liability in various proceedings and to purchase and maintain insurance
policies on behalf of these individuals.
<p>ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable.
<p>ITEM 8. EXHIBITS
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The exhibits
included as part of this Registration Statement are as follows:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Exhibit Number</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<u>Description</u>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of KPMG LLP
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
24.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page contained
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
in Part II hereof)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
First Charter Corporation Amended and Restated
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
<p>ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; post-effective amendment
to this Registration Statement:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Securities Act;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed
that which
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table
in the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
effective registration statement;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or
any
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not
apply if
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
the Registration Statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3 and the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to
the Securities
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
and Exchange Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(2)&nbsp; That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act,
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
statement relating to the securities being offered therein, and the offering
of
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(3)&nbsp; To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
the offering.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (b)&nbsp;
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated
by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
6
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<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (c)&nbsp;
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Articles, Bylaws or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that
a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
7
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<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>
<br>
<br>
<center>
<p>SIGNATURES</center>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly
caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina,
on July 31, 2001.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
By: /s/ LAWRENCE M. KIMBROUGH
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lawrence M. Kimbrough
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
President and Chief Executive Officer
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>
<br>
<br>
<center>
<p>POWER OF ATTORNEY</center>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual
whose signature appears below and on the following page constitutes and
appoints each of Lawrence M. Kimbrough and Robert O. Bratton as his true
and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this
Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact
and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises,
as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
and hereby ratifies and confirms all that any said attorney-in-fact and
agent, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
8
<br>&lt;Page>
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons,
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>SIGNATURE</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<u>CAPACITY</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<u>DATE</u>
<p>/s/ LAWRENCE M. KIMBROUGH&nbsp; President, Chief Executive&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Lawrence M. Kimbrough&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Officer and Director
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Principal Executive Officer)
<p>/s/ ROBERT O. BRATTON&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Executive Vice President,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Robert O. Bratton&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chief Operating Officer
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
and Chief Financial Officer
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(Principal Financial and
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Accounting Officer)
<p>/s/ HAROLD D. ALEXANDER&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Harold D. Alexander
<p>/s/ WILLIAM R. BLACK, M.D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>William R. Black, M.D.
<p>/s/ JAMES E. BURT, III&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>James E. Burt, III
<p>/s/ MICHAEL R. COLTRANE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Michael R. Coltrane
<p>/s/ J. ROY DAVIS, JR.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>J. Roy Davis, Jr.
<p>/s/ JOHN J. GODBOLD, JR.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>John J. Godbold, Jr.
<p>/s/ CHARLES F. HARRY, III.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Charles F. Harry, III
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
9
<br>&lt;Page>
<br>&nbsp;
<p>/s/ FRANK H. HAWFIELD, JR.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Frank H. Hawfield, Jr.
<p>/s/ CHARLES A. JAMES&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Charles A. James
<p>/s/ WALTER H. JONES, JR.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Walter H. Jones, Jr.
<p>/s/ SAMUEL C. KING, JR.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Samuel C. King, Jr.
<p>/s/ JERRY E. MCGEE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Jerry E. McGee
<p>/s/ HUGH H. MORRISON&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Hugh H. Morrison
<p>/s/ THOMAS R. REVELS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Thomas R. Revels
<p>/s/ LAWRENCE D. WARLICK, JR.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>Lawrence D. Warlick, Jr.
<p>/s/ WILLIAM W. WATERS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Director&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
July 31, 2001
<br>William W. Waters
<br>&nbsp;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
10
<br>&lt;Page>
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<center>
<p>EXHIBIT INDEX
<br>TO
<br>REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8</center>

<p><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<u>Exhibit Number</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<u>Description</u>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of KPMG LLP
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
24.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
contained in Part II hereof)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
First Charter Corporation Amended and Restated
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
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<dir>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;</dir>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "fccs8def.htm", "secsgml_size_bytes": 42452}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "FIRST CHARTER CORP /NC/", "cik": "0000717306", "assigned-sic": "6021", "irs-number": "561355866", "state-of-incorporation": "NC", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-66362", "film-number": "1694029"}, "business-address": {"street1": "10200 DAVID TAYLOR DRIVE", "street2": "PO BOX 228", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28262-2373", "phone": "7046884300"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "22 UNION ST N", "street2": "PO BOX 228", "city": "CONCORD", "state": "NC", "zip": "28026-0228"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "CONCORD NATIONAL INC", "date-changed": "19840816"}, {"former-conformed-name": "FIRST CHARTER CORP/NC/", "date-changed": "19841128"}]}
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31,
2001.
File No. 333- __________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------------
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------------------------
FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
NORTH CAROLINA                                  
56-1355866
(State or Other Jurisdiction of                            
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)                        
Identification Number)
10200 DAVID TAYLOR DRIVE
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28262-2373
(704) 688-4300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number of Principal Executive
Offices)
FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
AMENDED AND RESTATED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
(Full Title of the Plan)
LAWRENCE M. KIMBROUGH
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
10200 DAVID TAYLOR DRIVE
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28262-2373
(704) 688-4300
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including
Area Code, of Agent For Service)
COPY TO:
RICHARD W. VIOLA, ESQ.
SMITH HELMS MULLISS & MOORE, L.L.P.
201 NORTH TRYON STREET
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202
TELEPHONE: (704) 343-2149
-------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be Registered
Amount to be Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share (1)
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (1)
Amount of Registration Fee (1)
Common Stock, no par value
1,000,000 shares
$17.98
$17,980,000
$4,495.00
(1) The price is estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h)(1) and (c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee, based on the average of the high and
low prices of First Charter Corporation's common stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on July 25, 2001.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents that from time to time contain
the information specified by Part I of this registration statement (the
"Registration Statement") of First Charter Corporation (the "Registrant"
or the "Company") will be sent or given to eligible directors as specified
by Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") and will be kept on file at the offices of the Company in accordance
with Rule 428(a)(2). Such documents, together with the documents incorporated
by reference in Item 3 of Part II hereof, constitute the Section 10(a)
prospectus of the Company. Upon written or oral request, the Company will
provide to eligible directors, without charge, a copy of such documents
and any other documents required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 428(b).
Requests for the above mentioned information should be directed to Anne
C. Forrest, Corporate Secretary, at First Charter Corporation, 10200 David
Taylor Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262-2373; telephone number (704)
688-4300.
2
<Page>
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated by
reference into this Registration Statement and are deemed to be a part
hereof from the date of the filing of such documents:
(1)     The Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000;
(2)     The Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001;
(3)     The Registrant's
Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 16, 2001, April 17, 2001 and
July 10, 2001;
(4)     The description
of Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement filed
under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), including all amendments or reports filed for the purpose
of updating such description.
All other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of
a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated herein by reference shall
be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently
filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated herein by
reference modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
3
<Page>
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
In accordance with the provisions of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act (the "NCBCA"), the Registrant's Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Registrant's Articles") and
the Registrant's Bylaws provide that, in addition to the indemnification
of directors and officers otherwise provided by the NCBCA, the Registrant
shall, under certain circumstances, indemnify its directors, executive
officers and certain other designated officers against any and all liability
and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in any proceeding (including,
without limitation, a proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Registrant
itself) arising out of their status or activities as directors and officers,
except for liability or litigation expense incurred on account of activities
of such person which at the time taken were known or believed by such person
to be clearly in conflict with the best interests of the Registrant. The
Registrant's Bylaws further provide that the Registrant shall also indemnify
such person for reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys' fees incurred
in connection with the enforcement of the rights to indemnification granted
in the Bylaws, if it is determined in accordance with the procedures set
forth in the Bylaws that such person is entitled to indemnification thereunder.
Pursuant to the Bylaws and as authorized by statute, the Registrant maintains
insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liability asserted
against such persons in such capacity whether or not such directors or
officers have the right to indemnification pursuant to the Bylaws or otherwise.
In addition, the Registrant's Articles prevent the recovery by the Registrant
or any of its shareholders of monetary damages against its directors to
the fullest extent permitted by the NCBCA.
In addition to the above-described provisions,
Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the NCBCA contain provisions prescribing
the extent to which directors and officers shall or may be indemnified.
Section 55-8-51 of the NCBCA permits a corporation, with certain exceptions,
to indemnify a current or former director against liability if (i) he conducted
himself in good faith, (ii) he reasonably believed (x) in the case of conduct
in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in
the best interests of the corporation and (y) in all other cases his conduct
was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests and (iii)
in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director in
connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which
the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with
a proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him, whether or not
involving action in his official capacity, in which he was adjudged liable
on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him. The
above standard of conduct is determined by the Board of Directors or a
committee thereof or special legal counsel or the shareholders as prescribed
in Section 55-8-55.
Sections 55-8-52 and 55-8-56 of the NCBCA require
a corporation to indemnify a director or officer in the defense of any
proceeding to which he was a party because of his capacity as a director
or officer against reasonable expenses when he is wholly successful, on
the merits or otherwise, in his defense, unless the articles of incorporation
provide otherwise. Upon application, the court may order indemnification
of the director
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or officer if the court determines that he is entitled to mandatory
indemnification under Section 55-8-52, in which case the court shall also
order the corporation to pay the reasonable expenses incurred to obtain
court-ordered indemnification or if he is adjudged fairly and reasonably
so entitled in view of all relevant circumstances under Section 55-8-54.
Section 55-8-56 allows a corporation to indemnify and advance expenses
to an officer, employee or agent who is not a director to the same extent,
consistent with public policy, as a director or as otherwise set forth
in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by resolution
of the Board of Directors or contract.
In addition, Section 55-8-57 permits a corporation
to provide for indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents,
in its articles of incorporation or bylaws or by contract or resolution,
against liability in various proceedings and to purchase and maintain insurance
policies on behalf of these individuals.
ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS
The exhibits
included as part of this Registration Statement are as follows:
Exhibit Number
Description
5.1                  
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
23.1                  
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2                 
Consent of KPMG LLP
24.1                 
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page contained
in Part II hereof)
99.1                 
First Charter Corporation Amended and Restated
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS
(a)   
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a
post-effective amendment
to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
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(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities
offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed
that which
was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume
and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table
in the
effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or
any
material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not
apply if
the Registration Statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3 and the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to
the Securities
and Exchange Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d)
of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
(2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act,
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities being offered therein, and the offering
of
such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
offering thereof.
(3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of
the offering.
(b) 
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated
by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
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(c) 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Articles, Bylaws or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that
a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly
caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina,
on July 31, 2001.
FIRST CHARTER CORPORATION
By: /s/ LAWRENCE M. KIMBROUGH
Lawrence M. Kimbrough
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual
whose signature appears below and on the following page constitutes and
appoints each of Lawrence M. Kimbrough and Robert O. Bratton as his true
and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this
Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact
and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act
and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises,
as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
and hereby ratifies and confirms all that any said attorney-in-fact and
agent, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons,
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE
CAPACITY
DATE
/s/ LAWRENCE M. KIMBROUGH  President, Chief Executive             
July 31, 2001
Lawrence M. Kimbrough                   
Officer and Director
Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ ROBERT O. BRATTON             
Executive Vice President,                 
July 31, 2001
Robert O. Bratton                             
Chief Operating Officer
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ HAROLD D. ALEXANDER                     
Director                               
July 31, 2001
Harold D. Alexander
/s/ WILLIAM R. BLACK, M.D.                    
Director                               
July 31, 2001
William R. Black, M.D.
/s/ JAMES E. BURT, III                                 
Director                               
July 31, 2001
James E. Burt, III
/s/ MICHAEL R. COLTRANE                      
Director                                
July 31, 2001
Michael R. Coltrane
/s/ J. ROY DAVIS, JR.                                  
Director                                 
July 31, 2001
J. Roy Davis, Jr.
/s/ JOHN J. GODBOLD, JR.                         
Director                                 
July 31, 2001
John J. Godbold, Jr.
/s/ CHARLES F. HARRY, III.                        
Director                                 
July 31, 2001
Charles F. Harry, III
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/s/ FRANK H. HAWFIELD, JR.                    
Director                                  
July 31, 2001
Frank H. Hawfield, Jr.
/s/ CHARLES A. JAMES                              
Director                                   
July 31, 2001
Charles A. James
/s/ WALTER H. JONES, JR.                         
Director                                   
July 31, 2001
Walter H. Jones, Jr.
/s/ SAMUEL C. KING, JR.                           
Director                                   
July 31, 2001
Samuel C. King, Jr.
/s/ JERRY E. MCGEE                                   
Director                                   
July 31, 2001
Jerry E. McGee
/s/ HUGH H. MORRISON                            
Director                                   
July 31, 2001
Hugh H. Morrison
/s/ THOMAS R. REVELS                             
Director                                   
July 31, 2001
Thomas R. Revels
/s/ LAWRENCE D. WARLICK, JR.             
Director                                     
July 31, 2001
Lawrence D. Warlick, Jr.
/s/ WILLIAM W. WATERS                          
Director                                    
July 31, 2001
William W. Waters
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EXHIBIT INDEX
TO
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
Exhibit Number
Description
5.1               
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
23.1               
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2                
Consent of KPMG LLP
24.1                
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page
contained in Part II hereof)
99.1               
First Charter Corporation Amended and Restated
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors