<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>Flag Financial 2004 Equity Incentive Plan</TITLE><!-- Licensed to: Flag Financial Corporation--><!-- Document Created using EDGARIZER HTML --><!-- Copyright 2004 EDGARfilings, Ltd., an IEC company.--><!-- All rights reserved EDGARfilings.com --></HEAD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=right><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Registration No.&nbsp;333-______</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG><U>FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(I.R.S.&nbsp;Employer </FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Identification No.)</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG><U>3475&nbsp;Piedmont Road, Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>(Full Title of the Plan)</U></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>Joseph W. Evans</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(Name and address of agent for service)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG><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;(404) 760-7700&nbsp;&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></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Title of Securities</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">to be Registered</FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">$1.00 par value</FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">543,000</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(1)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Shares</FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">$14.72</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">$7,992,960</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">$940.77</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 36pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">This Registration Statement also covers such indeterminable number of additional shares as may become issuable to prevent dilution in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or other similar transaction pursuant to the terms of the Plan.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
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<TD style="WIDTH: 36pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market for December 15, 2004. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
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<TD align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The aggregate offering price is calculated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
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<DIV align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">PART I</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The documents containing the information specified in Part&nbsp;I of the Instructions to the Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 will be sent or given to participants in the Plan as required by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">PART II</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </STRONG></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>Incorporation of Documents by Reference</STRONG></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") are incorporated herein by reference:</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(1)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The Registrant's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31,&nbsp;2003;</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(2)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The Registrant's Quarterly Reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarters ended March&nbsp;31, 2004, June&nbsp;30, 2004 and September 30, 2004;</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(3)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The Registrant&#146;s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March&nbsp;23, 2004, March&nbsp;30, 2004 and December 8, 2004; and</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(4)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March&nbsp;1, 1994.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all such securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>Item 6.</STRONG></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG> Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The Registrant&#146;s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws generally provide that any director who is deemed eligible will be indemnified against liability and other expenses incurred in a proceeding in which the director was made a party by reason of the fact he is or was a director, to the fullest extent authorized by the Georgia Business Corporation Code; provided, however, that the Registrant will not indemnify any director for any liability or expenses incurred by such director (i) for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the Registrant; (ii) for any acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for the types of liability set forth in Section 14-2-832 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code or successor provisions; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for the advancement of expenses to its directors at the outset of a proceeding, upon the receipt from such director of the written affirmation and repayment promise required by Section 14-2-856 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, the purchase of insurance by the Registrant against any liability of the director arising from his duties and actions as a director, the survival of such indemnification to the director's heirs, executors and administrators, and the limitation of the directors' liability to the corporation (except under the four situations described above). The indemnification provisions are non-exclusive, and shall not impair any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled. The Bylaws also provide for similar indemnification for the officers of the Registrant. Under the Bylaws, shareholders are entitled to notification of any indemnification paid to the directors. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The Registrant maintains an insurance policy insuring the Registrant and directors and officers of the Registrant against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>Item 8.&nbsp; Exhibits.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item&nbsp;601 of Regulation S-K:</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Exhibit</FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>No. </U></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>Description</U></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">5.1 </FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Opinion of Powell, Goldstein, Frazer &amp; Murphy LLP with respect to the securities being registered, including consent.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">23.1</FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">23.2</FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Consent of Porter Keadle Moore LLP, independent accountants.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">24.1 </FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Power of Attorney (see signature pages to this Registration Statement).</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">99.1</FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Flag Financial Corporation 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix&nbsp;B to Flag Financial Corporation's Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March&nbsp;11, 2004).</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>Item 9.&nbsp; Undertakings.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(a)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(1)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(i)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities&nbsp;Act;</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(ii)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or&nbsp;the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the 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 and 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 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(iii)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><EM>provided</EM></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(2)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">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 offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial </FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><EM>bona fide</EM></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"> offering thereof.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(3)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(b)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;T</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">he 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&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the 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 </FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><EM>bona fide</EM></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"> offering thereof.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">(c)<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">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 foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the 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.</FONT></DIV>
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<TABLE id=PGBRK cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>SIGNATURES</U></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">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 Atlanta, State of Georgia, on this the 16th day of December, 2004.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;</FONT>FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>By:<U>&nbsp; </U></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ J. Daniel Speight</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;J.&nbsp;Daniel Speight</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp; Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>POWER OF ATTORNEY</U></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Joseph&nbsp;W. Evans and J.&nbsp;Daniel Speight as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, 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 (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing required or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, could lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.</FONT></DIV>
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
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<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG><U>Signature</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
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<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG><U>Title</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG><U>Date</U></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
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<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ William H. Anderson, II</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">William H. Anderson, II</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Director</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ H. Speer Burdette, III</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">H. Speer Burdette, III</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Director</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ Stephen W. Doughty</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Stephen W. Doughty</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Vice Chairman and Chief Risk Management Officer</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ Joseph W. Evans</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Joseph W. Evans</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ Quill O. Healey</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Quill O. Healey</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Director</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ John D. Houser</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">John D. Houser</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Director</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ James W. Johnson</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">James W. Johnson</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Director</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ J. Daniel Speight</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">J. Daniel Speight</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="38%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>/s/ J. Thomas Wiley, Jr.</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp; &nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">J. Thomas Wiley, Jr.</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="22%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Vice Chairman and Chief Banking Officer</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="20%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">December 16, 2004</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=PGBRK cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD width="100%" colSpan=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD align=left width="33%"><FONT size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD align=middle width="34%"><FONT size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD align=right width="33%"><FONT size=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD width="100%" colSpan=3><FONT size=1>
<HR style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always" color=#000000 noShade SIZE=2>
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=HDR cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=bottom width="100%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><STRONG>EXHIBIT INDEX</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Exhibit</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>No. </U></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt"></FONT><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><U>Description</U></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">5.1 </FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Opinion of Powell Goldstein LLP with respect to the securities being registered, including consent.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">23.1</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">23.2</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Consent of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP, independent accountants.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=center><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">24.1 </FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align=justify><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Power of Attorney (see signature pages to this Registration Statement).</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=middle width="16%">99.1&nbsp;</TD>
<TD vAlign=top align=left width="60%"><FONT style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif">Flag Financial Corporation 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix&nbsp;B to Flag Financial Corporation&#146;s 2004 Proxy Statement filed on Schedule&nbsp;14A on March&nbsp;11, 2004).</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "FLAG FINANCIAL CORP", "cik": "0000897509", "assigned-sic": "6035", "irs-number": "582094179", "state-of-incorporation": "GA", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-121345", "film-number": "041208936"}, "business-address": {"street1": "3475 PIEDMONT RD NE", "street2": "STE 550", "city": "ATLANTA", "state": "GA", "zip": "30305", "phone": "4047607700"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "3475 PIEDMONT RD NE", "street2": "STE 550", "city": "ATLANTA", "state": "GA", "zip": "30305"}}
Flag Financial 2004 Equity Incentive Plan
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2004
Registration No. 333-______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia
58-2094179
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3475 Piedmont Road, Suite 550, Atlanta, Georgia 30305
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full Title of the Plan)
Joseph W. Evans
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Flag Financial Corporation
3475 Piedmont Road
Suite 550
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
(Name and address of agent for service)
(404) 760-7700
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities
to be Registered
Amount to be
Registered
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price
Amount of
Registration
Fee
Common Stock,
$1.00 par value
543,000
(1)
Shares
$14.72
(2)
$7,992,960
(3)
$940.77
(1)
This Registration Statement also covers such indeterminable number of additional shares as may become issuable to prevent dilution in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or other similar transaction pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
(2)
The average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market for December 15, 2004.
(3)
The aggregate offering price is calculated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in Part I of the Instructions to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 will be sent or given to participants in the Plan as required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.
Incorporation of Documents by Reference
.
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") are incorporated herein by reference:
(1)
The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003;
(2)
The Registrant's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2004, June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004;
(3)
The Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2004, March 30, 2004 and December 8, 2004; and
(4)
The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 1994.
All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all such securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws generally provide that any director who is deemed eligible will be indemnified against liability and other expenses incurred in a proceeding in which the director was made a party by reason of the fact he is or was a director, to the fullest extent authorized by the Georgia Business Corporation Code; provided, however, that the Registrant will not indemnify any director for any liability or expenses incurred by such director (i) for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of the Registrant; (ii) for any acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for the types of liability set forth in Section 14-2-832 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code or successor provisions; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for the advancement of expenses to its directors at the outset of a proceeding, upon the receipt from such director of the written affirmation and repayment promise required by Section 14-2-856 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code, the purchase of insurance by the Registrant against any liability of the director arising from his duties and actions as a director, the survival of such indemnification to the director's heirs, executors and administrators, and the limitation of the directors' liability to the corporation (except under the four situations described above). The indemnification provisions are non-exclusive, and shall not impair any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled. The Bylaws also provide for similar indemnification for the officers of the Registrant. Under the Bylaws, shareholders are entitled to notification of any indemnification paid to the directors.
The Registrant maintains an insurance policy insuring the Registrant and directors and officers of the Registrant against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Item 8.  Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
Exhibit
No.
Description
5.1
Opinion of Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP with respect to the securities being registered, including consent.
23.1
Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of Porter Keadle Moore LLP, independent accountants.
24.1
Power of Attorney (see signature pages to this Registration Statement).
99.1
Flag Financial Corporation 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix B to Flag Financial Corporation's Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 11, 2004).
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;
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the 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 the 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 and 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 20 percent 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 the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
provided
, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the 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 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)
T
he 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 the 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.
(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 foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the 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.
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 Atlanta, State of Georgia, on this the 16th day of December, 2004.
FLAG FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By:
/s/ J. Daniel Speight
J. Daniel Speight
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Joseph W. Evans and J. Daniel Speight as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, 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 (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing required or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, could lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ William H. Anderson, II
William H. Anderson, II
Director
December 16, 2004
/s/ H. Speer Burdette, III
H. Speer Burdette, III
Director
December 16, 2004
/s/ Stephen W. Doughty
Stephen W. Doughty
Vice Chairman and Chief Risk Management Officer
December 16, 2004
/s/ Joseph W. Evans
Joseph W. Evans
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
December 16, 2004
/s/ Quill O. Healey
Quill O. Healey
Director
December 16, 2004
/s/ John D. Houser
John D. Houser
Director
December 16, 2004
/s/ James W. Johnson
James W. Johnson
Director
December 16, 2004
/s/ J. Daniel Speight
J. Daniel Speight
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
December 16, 2004
/s/ J. Thomas Wiley, Jr.
J. Thomas Wiley, Jr.
Vice Chairman and Chief Banking Officer
December 16, 2004
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
No.
Description
5.1
Opinion of Powell Goldstein LLP with respect to the securities being registered, including consent.
23.1
Consent of counsel (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP, independent accountants.
24.1
Power of Attorney (see signature pages to this Registration Statement).
99.1
Flag Financial Corporation 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix B to Flag Financial Corporation's 2004 Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on March 11, 2004).