I've looked through the 1st Edition Player's Handbook but cannot find any reference to acquiring Holy Water. Is this something I can create as a level 1 Acolyte or does it need to be acquired from a stronger Cleric until a later level?
I have read and know the answer for 5E (Can clerics create holy water?), I am only interested in 1st Edition.
The Player's Handbook lists holy water as available for purchase for 25 gp on page 36 under Religious Items as Water, Holy, vial.
The Dungeon Master's Guide contains instructions for clerics on how to manufacture holy (and unholy) water on pages 114-115 in the section entitled Creation of Holy/Unholy Water. Since the instructions run about 500 words and are in the DMG, it's probably a good idea to ask the DM directly how it's done in that DM's campaign.
As a third level spell is involved, it requires a cleric of not less than 5th level of experience to manage to create such fluid. (DMG, p. 114)
From the DMG you will find the following requirements:
Then ally with or convince (or pay) an NPC cleric that can cast the 2nd and 3rd level Chant and Prayer to perform the ceremony. Your first level cleric could assist. Your acolyte can, however, bring various receptacles/containers/vials, as noted below.
Spells that must be cast over the font:
Once created, the holy/unholy water cannot leave the font far more than a turn without losing its efficacy unless it is placed within specially blessed/cursed vials of crystal - either rock or special leaded glass. Each empty vial is worth 2-5 gold pieces. (DMG p. 115)
As there are a lot of details involved in this process, you'll want to work with the DM on all of the details so that preparation, preparing the containers to fill with holy water, interaction with the NPC, and the ceremony itself all come together.
