COLUMBIA - Former House Speaker David Wilkins visited the House of Representatives Thursday for an unveiling of his portrait.

"It's great to be among friends," Wilkins said. "It's great to see everybody."

Wilkins ended his 25-year legislative career in June to accept the nomination by President George W. Bush as U.S. ambassador to Canada.

The former Greenville legislator had spent 11 years as speaker.

"I am truly grateful for this opportunity to stand with you once again at the front of this majestic chamber - my heart certainly full, but my eyes clear," he said during a brief speech following the unveiling.

Wilkins was introduced by House Speaker Bobby Harrell, a Charleston Republican, who took the reins this month.

"David was my mentor since I got here," Harrell said. "I kind of latched on to David, quite frankly, and we've been dear friends ever since."

Harrell was followed by remarks by Rep. Fletcher Smith, D-Greenville, and Rep. Harry Cato, R-Greenville.

Longest-serving speakers

David Wilkins' portrait will hang on the chamber wall opposite the portrait of Solomon Blatt, a Barnwell County Democrat who served as House speaker for 31 years. James Simons Sr. of Charleston was the second-longest-serving speaker, in office from 1850 to 1862.

Wilkins became the first Republican speaker since Reconstruction when House members first elected him in December 1994. He was the state's third-longest-serving speaker.