They were members of the masons. The sleeve crosses, chapeau (hat), and the medal make me, I'll say 90%, sure they were members of the Knights Templar. I know it sounds like a conspiracy theory or something but a close relative of mine was a member of a commandery of the Knights Templar. I've seen my relative's regalia, certificates, etc. Your relative was a Master Mason. He was active in other masonic bodies outside the Blue Lodge if he was in the Knights Templar. Hope this helps if you haven't gotten your answer yet. Very cool to see the same regalia that long ago.